Faults:

To date the faults have been with the fit and finish items such as the ashtray (broken pin), plastic cargo cover clip broke (wagon only), and noisy moon roof.

Recently have had ABS periodically 'click off' when brakes are applied or when starting car. My research indicates brake system may be a weakness.

General Comments:

I have had no major mechanical issues to date (ABS fix is tbd).

VR6 provides more than ample acceleration and is fun to drive.

There is ample for family with small children if you pack light.

I consider this car to be well worth the money.

Faults:

Car came with a manufacturer's pre-owned car two year warranty.

Car has had some electrical problems. For example, neither the power trunk release nor the cruise control didn't work when we picked it up. These were fixed for free under the warranty and have stayed fixed.

Another more difficult to diagnose electrical problem has had to do with the front passenger-side power window controller. On occasion, this window opens by itself and then refuses to close. During New England winters, this has been a problem. Have already had dealer take a look at this problem, which is sometimes impossible to reproduce. It appears that turning on the radio can sometimes cause it to happen.

Be forewarned, the V-6 in this car uses a special oil filter that some quickie oil change shops, such as Jiffy Lube, can't remove or replace.

Be forewarned, the V-6 rarely gets more than 28 miles per gallon on the highway and can average in the low 20s for combined driving. This information is readily available through the vehicle's electronic display.

General Comments:

Overall, aside from the electrical problems, we've been pleased with the car, its level of comfort, and its general driving performance.

Faults:

Lost both front main bearings at 55K.

At 70K the right front bearing shows excessive wear and needs replacment.

Since new the car has always run hot, i.e. two people, small load, California mountains, ext. temp 100F, (with the A/C off) 220F, (with the A/C on 235F). Thus, almost overheating. The vehicle was never able to produce cool air, or keep the external ambient temperature flow into the cabin.

Headlight's performance is circa 1930. Dim and unsafe.

All the above are described "as within performance guidelines" by VW.

Front handles have loose pins, unable to open the door from the outside (both, or all?).

Power window collapses at 40K, requires a regulator change.

V6 has a 4 cylinder performance.

Speedometer ceases to work at 50K.

Gunk constantly crawls out of the body making it almost impossible to keep the car clean.

Plastic interior parts break and fail.

General Comments:

It is understanble to experience mechanical problems, however VW has no service presence within the USA. VW of North America relies for technical issues on mechanics within its dealer network. Many of them do not speak English.

VW corporate customer service comprises of admitedly non-technical telemarketer type young girls, who are specially trained to say "no" and produce further revenue by directing you back to the very service you experienced a problem with. Thus, not just a lack of assistance, but further increase of your dissatisfaction by having to use AGAIN the problem service facility.

Terror-like haggling methods used by VW USA in case of your further persistance. VW of North America shows no interest in assisting customers, is oblivious to addressing safety issues and has up front people who are detrimental to an image and future marketplace of any product.

In contrast, via long time experience, BMW are a dream, especially in customer/technical and other assistance. My practical advice is, avoid VW products, if you have one, sell it to prevent post warranty assistance. Always advise the State and Federal Governments of problems.